Apollo Theatre to Honor Lionel Richie and Etta James
Harlem’s famed Apollo Theatre will honor two legendary R&B singers this spring as Lionel Richie and the late Etta James will be inducted into its hall of fame.
James, who Beyoncé portrayed in the film “Cadillac Records,” is best known for the hit records “At Last” and “Trust in Me.”
James released her last album, “The Dreamer,” last November before succumbing to leukemia Jan. 20.
Richie, the former lead singer of the R&B group The Commodores, has lent his voice to numerous hits over the years including “Endless Love,” “All Night Long,” “Jesus is Love,” and “Easy Like Sunday Morning.”
Richie is also preparing to star on ABC’s new reality singing contest “Duets.” In that show, singers will audition before several music stars and each star will pick contestants to become their duet partners.
“I am eager to pass along a few of the nuggets of wisdom that I have received throughout my 40-year career,” Richie told NewsCore about “Duets”.
The Apollo ceremony will take place on June 4 during the Apollo Spring Gala. James and Richie will be joining Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson and Michael Jackson as performers who’ve received the honor.
As part of the ceremony, James and Richie will receive a plaque on the Apollo Walk of Fame.